Latest News LIVE Updates: Nearly 58 million of those people are fully vaccinated, according to CDC data
India added 89,129 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours amid a worrying surge in Covid cases that has prompted states like Maharashtra to consider lockdown. Today's surge is the highest since September 20 when 92,605 cases were reported.
Eight states witnessed a steep rise in daily new COVID-19 cases and accounted for 81.42 per cent of the infections reported in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry said.
These eight states are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh.
Meanwhile, the United States has delivered at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine to more than 100 million people, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday, hitting an initial target set by the administration of President Joe Biden.
Nearly 58 million of those people are fully vaccinated, according to CDC data.
As the vaccination campaign ramps up significantly in the country hardest hit by Covid-19, Biden promised last week that 90 percent of adults in America would be eligible to receive the vaccine by April 19, AFP reported.
Here are the Latest News Live Updates:
Record spike of 10,827 COVID-19 cases in Pune district; 66 diePune added over 10,000 COVID-19 cases for the first time in a day on Saturday, taking the
district's tally to 5,62,335, an official said.
The day saw 10,827 cases being registered, while 66 patients died and 3,293 people recovered, he added.
Of the new cases, Pune city accounted for 5,720, Pimpri Chinchwad 2,832 and the rest were in the district's rural and cantonment areas, he said.
452 new cases push Odisha's COVID-19 tally to 3,42,224In view of the spike in COVID-19 cases as Odisha reported 452 new infections on Saturday, the state government decided that night curfew will be imposed in 10 districts from April 5.
The 452 new cases pushed the state's COVID-19 tally to 3,42,224, a health department official said.
Keeping in view safety of public health, Chief Secretary in an order said that the night curfew will be imposed from 10 pm to 5 am in 10 districts - Sundergarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Bolangir, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nawarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri from April 5. Odisha has a total of 30 districts.
Bengal logs 1,736 fresh COVID-19 cases, 5 more deathsAt least five COVID-19 fatalities were registered in West Bengal on Saturday pushing the toll to
10,340, while 1,736 fresh cases raised the tally in the state to 5,91,658, the state health department said.
Of the five deaths, two each were recorded in the city and its neighbouring North 24 Parganas district, and one was reported from Hooghly, the department said in its bulletin.
Four deaths were due to the comorbidities, where COVID-19 was just incidental, it said.
The city accounted for the maximum number of new cases at 528, followed by North 24 Parganas at 392, South 24 Parganas at 115 and Hooghly at 76, the bulletin said.
Accordingly, the number of active cases in the state has increased to 8,844.
Over 80,000 vaccinated against COVID-19 in Delhi on SaturdayThe coronavirus vaccination drive in Delhi received a boost on Saturday with over 80,000 beneficiaries, the highest daily figure so far, taking the jab, including more than half in the 45-59 age group.
According to official figures, the number of people who received the jab till 6 pm was 80,797, including 72,232 who received the first dose of the vaccine.
The first dose was given to 21,432 people aged 60 years and above and 45,787 in the age group of 45-59 years.
A total of 8,565 beneficiaries received the second dose of the vaccine.
Those inoculated on Saturday included 3,131 frontline workers and 1,882 healthcare workers. No serious issues were reported with just three people complaining of minor side effects, data showed.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who received the first dose of Covaxin at the Maulana Azad Medical College, requested the Centre to allow mass vaccination by lifting the age criterion for it.
He said mass vaccination is key to defeat COVID-19.
Bihar comes out with fresh restrictions amid spike in COVID-19 casesThe Nitish Kumar government in Bihar on Saturday came out with a number of fresh restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19, which has seen a country-wide surge in the recent past.
Guidelines were issued by the state''s home department after a high-level meeting, chaired by Mr Kumar, reviewed the situation in Bihar.
Reopening of schools and colleges, which were scheduled on April 5, shall now be deferred till April 11 and all institutions have been directed to reschedule tests and examinations accordingly, the department said in a release.
Deployment of additional police force at bus terminuses, railway stations, vegetable markets and eating joints to ensure social distancing and prevent overcrowding has also been ordered.
The communication stated that entry of stray visitors inside government offices shall remain restricted, while public transport vehicles will be allowed to ply, with the number of passengers not exceeding 50 per cent of total capacity, till April 15.
Holding of all functions, except marriages and funerals, at public places will be barred and the maximum number of people allowed at a wedding must not exceed 250. Not more than 50 persons will be allowed to attend a ''shraaddh'', the release said.
Chhattisgarh: Record single-day spike of 5,818 COVID-19 casesChhattisgarh reported 5,818 COVID-19 cases on Saturday, the state's highest single-day
spike, taking the count of infections to 3,63,796, an official said.
The count rose by 36 during the day to touch 4,283 and the recovery count was 3,23,201 as 52 people were discharged from hospitals and 1,120 completed home isolation, he added.
The state now has 36,312 active cases, the official said.
"Raipur and Durg districts accounted for 2,287 and 85 of the new cases. While Raipur has 70,691 cases, including 939 deaths, Durg's tally stands at 41,889, with 781 deaths. Bilaspur saw 342 new cases, Rajnandgaon 341 and Mahasamund 303. Of the deaths reported during the day, 12 took place on Saturday, 19 on Friday and five earlier," he said.
Over 7.44 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses administered till nowThe cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 7.44 crore, the Union health ministry said on Saturday.
A total of 7,44,42,267 vaccine doses have been given, according to a provisional report till 8 pm.
These include 89,53,552 healthcare workers (HCWs) who have taken the first dose and 53,06,671 HCWs who have taken the second dose, 96,19,289 frontline workers (FLWs) who have received the first dose and 40,18,526 FLWs who have taken the second dose.
Besides, 4,57,78,875 and 7,65,354 beneficiaries aged more than 45 have been administered the first and second dose respectively.
"Total 13,00,146 vaccine doses were given till 8 pm on Saturday, the seventy-eighth day of nationwide COVID19 vaccination. Out of which 11,86,621 beneficiaries were vaccinated for 1st dose and 1,13,525 beneficiaries received 2nd dose of the vaccine as per the provisional report," the ministry said adding final reports would be completed for the day by late night.
Besides, 1123851 and 78012 beneficiaries aged above 45 have been given the first and second dose on April 3.
Gujarat sees 2,815 COVID-19 cases, highest single-day additionGujarat on Saturday reported 2,815 COVID-19 cases, the highest single-day addition, taking
its tally to 3,15,563, an official said.
Friday's outbreak record of 2,640 stands broken in less than 24 hours, an indicator of the sharp surge the state is witnessing over the past few days, the official pointed out.
The state's death count rose by 13 to touch 4,552 during the day, while the recovery count reached 2,96,713, or 94.03 per cent of the caseload, after 2,063 people were discharged, he added.
Gujarat now has 14,298 active cases, of which 161 patients are critical, he said.
As COVID-19 cases surge, Odisha imposes night curfew in 10 cities from MondayAs the COVID-19 cases rise in the state, the Odisha government on Saturday imposed a night curfew in ten cities from April 5 to curb the virus spread.
The night curfew will be imposed in cities including Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Bolangir, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nawrangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri from Monday.
According to the official order, all shops, commercial establishments, offices, institutions and movement of individuals shall be closed/ prohibited between 10 pm to 5 am, except for essential services.
District collectors under Municipal commissioners shall issue orders for their respective jurisdictions, under appropriate provisions of law, under Section 144 of CrPC, and endure compliance. They may impose any further restrictions to allow such activities as felt appropriate considering the local situation.
(ANI)
Vaccinate everyone above 45 years in Punjab by end of April: Chief secretary
Punjab Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan on Saturday directed the health department to vaccinate all persons above 45 years of age within this month aimed at containing the further spread of the second wave of COVID-19 in the state.
She directed the administrative secretary in-charge of each district to oversee the planning and response system.
Chairing a meeting to review the COVID vaccination and management in the state here, the chief secretary directed all deputy commissioners, police commissioners and district police chiefs to focus on reducing the mortality rate and make efforts to increase the contact tracing, testing as well as to enhance the vaccination drive exponentially to take Punjab out of the present critical situation.
Ms Mahajan stressed that the COVID norms should be strictly enforced to contain the number of cases, which increased exponentially in the past week in Punjab, according to an official statement.
Coronavirus claims 49 more lives in Punjab; 2,705 fresh cases surfaceThe Punjab health authorities on Saturday reported 49 coronavirus deaths and 2,705 fresh cases, pushing the infection numbers to 2,48,454 and fatality count to 7,032 in the state.
Fresh deaths were reported from several districts, including Hoshiarpur Jalandhar, Amritsar, Bathinda, Fazilka and Mohali, according to a health bulletin.
Jalandhar reported the maximum 469 cases, followed by Ludhiana (382), Mohali (360) and Amritsar (263). The number of active cases, however, dropped marginally from 25,458 on Friday to 25,314 on Saturday.
A total of 2,781 coronavirus patients were discharged after recovering from infection, taking the number of cured persons to 2,16,108, the bulletin said.
There are 33 critical patients who are on ventilator while 313 are on oxygen support, the bulletin said. A total of 60,43,312 samples have been collected for testing so far in the state, it said.
Meanwhile, Chandigarh--the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana--reported 310 coronavirus cases, the highest single-day spike this year, pushing the infection numbers 27,853 in the union territory.
The union territory had seen 296 on March 28.
COVID-19 surge: School for classes I-IX shut in GujaratSchool for classes I to IX were directed to be shut for an indefinite period in Gujarat from
Monday amid a rise in COVID-19 cases, officials said.
However, as per the decision taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Saturday, classroom teaching for standards X and XII as well as colleges would continue, they added.
"All offline classes of standard 1 to 9 in government and private schools will be closed down for an indefinite period from Monday. Online education will be encouraged. The decision was taken keeping in mind safety of students when COVID-19 cases have surged in the state," a release from the CM's office said.
Schools and colleges in the state, which were closed since March last year after a lockdown was imposed to tackle the outbreak, were reopened in phased manner from January this year.
Tamil Nadu records 3,446 new COVID-19 cases, 14 deathsTamil Nadu reported 3,446 new COVID-19 infections and 14 fatalities on Saturday, pushing
the caseload to 8,96,226 and the death toll to 12,764, the Health Department said.
Recoveries mounted to 8,63,258 today with 1,834 patients being discharged, leaving 20,204 active cases, including those in isolation, the bulletin said.
Chennai saw most of the new infections with 1,290 cases, taking the aggregate to 2,52,431.
The metropolis leads in the number of fatalities too with 4,264.
A total of 82,078 samples were tested today, taking the cumulative number of specimens examined so far to 1,98,49,388.
Delhi Police Commissioner reviews crime, COVID situation through video conferencing
Delhi Police Commissioner S N Shrivastava on Saturday held a review meeting through video conferencing to discuss the law and order situation in the national capital and to take stock of action taken with regard to guidelines on Covid appropriate behaviour.
According to a statement issued by the Delhi police, Shrivastava reviewed Covid prosecution and status of vaccination in different districts/units of Delhi.
During the meeting, crimes against women, kidnapping and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases were analysed as also other cases registered and their disposal, said the statement.
It further said that the Police Commissioner also emphasised on conducting capsule courses for station house officers (SHOs) and investigating officers (IOs) in order to sharpen their investigative skills and keep them abreast of the latest legal and scientific aspects of an investigation.
Appraisal of action plan vis-a-vis targets for each police station was also discussed and district heads were asked to closely monitor the same, it said.
Kerala records 2,541 cases, 12 deathsKerala reported 2,541 new COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths on Saturday, pushing the
caseload to 11,32,431 and death toll to 4,658.
According to the state health department, 1,660 people recuperated from the disease today, taking the tally to 11,00,186.
Currently, there are 27,274 people under treatment and 1,42,761 under observation of which 4,306 are in isolation wards of various hospitals, a release said.
The state tested 44,779 samples in the last 24 hours and the test positivity rate was 5.67 per cent.
The state has till now tested 1,33,09,773 samples.
Goa sees 219 new COVID-19 cases, 2 fatalities; 151 recoverGoa on Saturday reported 219 fresh coronavirus positive cases and two deaths, taking the tally to
58,803 and the toll to 834, a health official said.
With 151 patients being discharged during the day, the count of recoveries in the state went up to 55,989, he said.
Goa is now left with 1,980 active cases, the official said.
"With 2,062 new tests, the total number of tests conducted in Goa so far has gone up to 5,51,354," he added.
Goa's COVID-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases 58,803, new cases 219, death toll 834, discharged 55,989, active cases 1,980, samples tested till date 5,51,354.
Gujarat officials get powers to earmark beds in private hospitalsAmid a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Gujarat government on Saturday empowered district
collectors and municipal commissioners to reserve beds in private hospitals for treatment of the infected patients.
Announcing the decision during a review tour of Vadodara, state Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said the expenses incurred on patients on such beds would be paid by the government.
"The state government has taken a decision to give powers to municipal commissioners and district collectors to reserve private hospital beds for coronavirus patients," Mr Patel, who also holds the health portfolio, told reporters.
Mr Patel, who during his tour met district and civic officials, said circuit houses in Vadodara would be converted into COVID care centres for asymptomatic patients who live in slums, chawls or small houses where effective isolation may not be possible.
(PTI)
Spot fine of Rs 1,000 at Mumbai airport for violating COVID normsMumbai airport has started imposing a spot fine of Rs 1,000 from April 1 on the passengers violating the mandatory Covid-19 safety protocol in the wake of aviation regulator director DGCA warning last week amid an increasing number of coronavirus infection cases in Maharashtra and some other states, according to a statement on Saturday.
After it found passengers at some airports flouting the mandatory COVID-19 safety protocols during the routine surveillance, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had advised airports to explore the option of taking stricter actions, such as slapping fine on the people violating such rules at the premises.
"Basis the directive issued by the DGCA, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will levy a fine on any individual found violating the mandatory Covid-19 safety protocols at the airport with effect from April 1. A fine of Rs 1000 will be issued to individuals who refuse to comply with COVID safety norms such as wearing face masks that covers the nose and mouth and maintaining social distancing amongst others at the airport," the private airport operator said in the statement.
Nagpur records 3,720 new COVID-19 cases; 47 fatalitiesAs many as 3,720 persons tested positive for coronavirus, while 47 died of the infection in
Maharashtra''s Nagpur district on Saturday, an official said.
With this, the caseload in the district reached 2,37,496 and the death count rose to 5,265, the official said.
At least 3,660 patients were discharged from various treatment facilities during the day, taking the count of recoveries to 1,91,411, he said.
The district is now left with 40,820 active cases, the official said.
With the addition of 15,593 samples tested during the day, the total number of tests conducted in the district stands at 16,74,838, he added.
1,398 new COVID-29 cases, 9 deaths reported in Andhra Pradesh
As many as 1,398 new COVID-19 cases and nine deaths were reported in Andhra Pradesh in the past 24 hours, the state health department informed on Saturday.
A total of 31,260 samples are tested in Andhra Pradesh. With this, the total number of positive cases has increased to 9,05,946.
There are currently 9,417 active cases in the state.
So far, 8,89,295 deaths have been reported in the state, including nine in the last 24 hours.
Of the nine deaths, two each were reported in Guntur and Nellore districts, one each in Chittur, Kadapa, Kurnool, Prakasam and Visakhapatnam districts.
Manish Sisodia, family get vaccinated against Covid today
Trinamool's Yashwant Sinha slams BJP, says party will ensure EVMs don't get exchanged en route
Trinamool Congress leader Yashwant Sinha on Saturday said his party will ensure that the EVMs do not get exchanged en route while slamming the BJP for allegedly spreading rumours about Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee contesting election from another seat besides Nandigram.
"BJP was spreading rumors of Mamata Banerjee fighting election from another seat. JP Nadda repeated this lie again. We are ready to tackle all their mind games. We'll also ensure that the EVMs don't get exchanged en route," Mr Sinha said in a press conference here.
Earlier in the day, BJP president JP Nadda said Mamata Banerjee is ''losing from Nandigram'' and her own people told him that she is ''searching for another seat to contest''.
On Thursday, Nandigram witnessed a direct contest between Mamata Banerjee and her former colleague Suvendu Adhikari, who had joined the BJP in December last year.
Nandigram is the home turf of Mr Adhikari, while Mamata Banerjee is contesting from Nandigram and not from her home turf Bhabanipur constituency.
The first two phases of Assembly polls have been held in West Bengal and the third phase is slated for April 6. The counting of votes will take place on May 2.
14 deaths, 3,290 fresh virus cases in Uttar PradeshUttar Pradesh on Saturday reported 14 coronavirus deaths as 3,290 fresh cases surfaced, pushing the state's infection count to 6,25,923, according to a Health Department Bulletin.
So far, the infection has killed 8,850 in the state, it said.
State capital Lucknow reported the highest number of fresh cases (1041) with six deaths, the bulletin said. Two deaths were reported from Shahjahanpur and one each from Varanasi, Agra, Ballia, Rae Bareli, Unnao and Bhadohi.
As many as 299 cases were reported from Allahabad, 226 from Varanasi and 171 from Kanpur Nagar, the bulletin said.
Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Amit Mohan Prasad said the number of active cases has reached 16,496, of which 8,933 are in home isolation, 383 in private hospitals and the remaining are at government facilities.
So far, 6,00,577 people have recovered from the disease.
4,373 fresh COVID-19 cases in Karnataka, 19 deathsKarnataka logged 4,373 fresh COVID-19 cases and 19 related fatalities, taking the total
caseload to 10.10 lakh and the death count to 12,610, the Health department said on Saturday.
The day also saw 1,959 patients getting discharged after recovery.
Out of the 4,373 fresh cases reported on Saturday, 3,002 cases were from Bengaluru Urban alone.
Cumulatively 10,10,602 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed in the state, which includes 12,610 deaths and 9,61,359 discharges, the Health department said in a bulletin.
Out of 36,614 active cases, 36,287 patients are stable and in isolation at designated hospitals, while 327 are in Intensive Care Units.
Ghaziabad: Rapid response teams deployed to trace coronavirus patients
In the wake of a recent surge in coronavirus case, rapid response teams have been deployed to conduct a door-to-door survey to trace infected people in the district, according to an official.
Wearing of a mask has been made essential and those violating the order will be penalised, District Magistrate Ajay Shankar Pandey said, adding that a special drive will be carried out to administer coronavirus vaccine to those aged 45 or above.
The decisions has been taken in the wake of over 400 people testing positive for coronavirus since March 1.
According to Mr Pandey, the rapid response teams will conduct a door-to-door survey to trace coronavirus patients.
People coming from the pandemic-hit states will be monitored and containment zones will be decided on the basis of the data gathered through the geographic information system (GIS), the DM said.
Sri Lanka tightens church security ahead of EasterSecurity at churches across Sri Lanka have been beefed up ahead of Easter, police said on Saturday, ahead of the second anniversary of the April 2019 coordinated attacks on tourists and minority Christian community in the country in which 270 people, including 11 Indians, were killed.
"We have tightened security of churches by deploying over 12,000 security personnel," Senior Deputy Inspector General and police spokesperson Ajith Rohana told reporters.
The security personnel include 9,350 police officials and 2,542 troops from the tri forces (Army, Nay and Air Force), he said.
Mr Rohana said some 111 churches in the western coastal town of Negombo would be provided security, along with 107 churches in the neighbouring coastal town of Chilaw and some 98 churches in the eastern town of Batticaloa.
The St Sebastian's Church at Negombo''s Katuwapitiya was the worst-hit in the Easter Sunday blasts that rocked the island nation in 2019 with 114 people dying in the church attack.
As many as 270 people were killed and around 500 others injured when six near-simultaneous and coordinated explosions, carried out by local jihadist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) linked to the Islamic State (IS), rocked three churches and three luxury hotels frequented by tourists in Sri Lanka on April 21.
Chhattisgarh Writes To Centre To Include Journalists In Vaccination DriveAmid the increasing number of COVID-19 cases across the country, the Chhattisgarh government has written to the Centre to include journalists in the nation-wide vaccination drive, Chhattisgarh health minister TS Singhdeo informed on Friday.
He further informed that as many as 4,617 new cases were reported on Thursday, the highest ever recorded in the state.
"The Chhattisgarh government has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan to include journalists in the COVID-19 vaccination drive," he told ANI.
Tamil Nadu Election 2021: DMK Leader Kanimozhi Tests Positive For CoronavirusAhead of the Tamil Nadu elections, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and MP Kanimozhi tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday. She will be undergoing treatment at Apollo hospital in Chennai.
As a star campaigner, Kanimozhi, who represents Thoothukudi in the Lok Sabha, has been involved in campaigning for the DMK for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.
She is currently in home isolation and has cancelled all of her events ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.
Andhra Pradesh Logs 1,398 New Covid Cases, 9 DeathsAndhra Pradesh reported 1,398 fresh cases of coronavirus and nine deaths in 24 hours ending 9 am on Saturday, the highest addition of cases in a day after November 14.
The cumulative COVID-19 positive cases shot up to 9,05,946 after 1.51 crore sample tests at an overall infection positivity rate of 5.97 per cent.
The latest bulletin said 787 patients recovered from the infection in 24 hours, taking the tally to 8,89,295.
The overall recovery percentage dipped to 98.2 as the number of active cases rose to 9,417 (one per cent).
After nine fresh fatalities were reported, the count increased to 7,234, with a case fatality rate of 0.8 per cent.
Deputy Delhi Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Wife Get First Dose Of Covid VaccineDelhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and his wife on Saturday received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the national capital.
The Education Minister and his wife Seema Sisodia took the vaccine against the coronavirus at Maulana Azad Medical College here today.
"Got vaccinated with my family today @HospitalLok! Thankful to our brilliant scientists, medical teams and everyone who worked tirelessly for making vaccines for us. The central government should provide vaccine for all without age restrictions. Let's fight Covid together!," tweeted Aam Aadmi Party leader.
452 New Cases In Odisha, Covid Tally Rises To 3,42,224Odisha's COVID-19 tally mounted to 3,42,224 on Saturday as 452 more people tested positive for the infection, a health official said.
As many as 267 new cases were reported in quarantine centres, while 185 infections were detected during contact tracing, he said.
Khurda district, under which Bhubaneswar falls, reported the highest number of new cases at 77 followed by Sundergarh (75) and Nuapada (71).
The state's coronavirus death count remained unchanged at 1,921 as no fresh fatality was reported since March 30, while 53 patients have died due to comorbidities to date.
Odisha now has 2,820 active cases, while 3,37,430 people have recovered from the disease thus far.
Delhi records 3,567 fresh COVID-19 cases, 10 new deaths; positivity rate 4.48%, news agency PTI reported quoting health bulletin
Religious Places To Remain Shut As Covid Restrictions Tightened In PuneAmid the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, the Maharashtra government has ordered all religious sites in Pune to remain completely closed from Saturday till April 9.
Consequently, some people could be seen praying outside the closed Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir.
Sandeep Mahajan, a local said, "I think it is a good decision in the interest of the society. It will help people and safeguard them from the dangers of the coronavirus. People who are religious can come to the temple and pray for the fulfilment of their wishes while maintaining social distancing."
Pallavi Mahajan, another local, said that the decision "reduces crowding and it can help contain the spread of the infection."
Sanjay Shivsagar, who came to pray at the temple, said, "Socal distancing and compliance in wearing masks is what is necessary. People are not following such guidelines. It is the government''s decision to shut down religious places. What can I say about it?" he said.
Adopt Good Habits If Tribal Communities To Keep Covid At Bay: Vice PresidentThe tribal population in Odisha was largely untouched by the COVID-19 pandemic and their unique customary practices and traditions have helped them keep the infection at bay, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said here on Saturday while citing a study.
The report by Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI) noted that by habit, the tribal people maintain a reasonable distance from one another when they walk, he said.
"Such safe distancing and hygiene norms, rooted in the tribal culture coupled with the natural food, have helped them stay safe during the pandemic," Mr Naidu said addressing the 50th convocation of Utkal University in Bhubaneswar
Universities should focus on these positive aspects of tribal communities and include them in their curriculum, he said.
7 Deaths In UK From Blood Clots Among Millions Who Got AstraZeneca Shot
The UK medical regulator said Saturday that out of 30 people who suffered blood clots after receiving the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, seven have died.
The British acknowledgement of deaths comes as several European countries have paused the use of the AstraZeneca jab over a potential link to blood clots.
The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said in a statement that "Out of the 30 reports up to and including 24 March, sadly 7 have died."
The Netherlands on Friday halted vaccinations with the AstraZeneca jab for people under the age of 60 after five new cases among women, one of whom died.
Farooq Abdullah, Covid Positive, Moved To Hospital For Better Monitoring
National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week, has been admitted to hospital, is son Omar Abdullah tweeted today. He was in isolation at home until now.
"Based on the advice of doctors to enable them to better monitor my father, he has been admitted to hospital in Srinagar. Our family remains grateful to everyone for their messages of support & their prayers," Omar Abdullah tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those who wished the veteran politician a speedy recovery after the latter tested positive.
17 Test Covid Positive At Delhi's St Stephen's College
At least 13 students and four staff members of Delhi University's St. Stephen's College tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, leading to enforcement of stringent COVID-19 protocols on the campus and questions on whether a college trip held recently was behind the infections.
Those who contracted the infection were part of a "chapel trip" of 25 students to Dalhousie. The students were tested after some of them developed symptoms of the disease after they returned on March 31.
A dean, mess steward and security staff are reportedly among the staff who have tested positive.
8 States Account For 81.4% Of All Covid Cases Reported In Last 24 Hours: Centre
Eight states witnessed a steep rise in daily new COVID-19 cases and accounted for 81.42 per cent of the infections reported in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry said.
These eight states are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh.
India's tally of COVID-19 active caseload also increased to 6,58,909 and now comprises 5.32 per cent of the total infections. In a day, there has been a net rise of 44,213 active cases.
Ten districts - Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur, Thane, Nashik, Bengaluru Urban, Aurangabad, Delhi, Ahmednagar and Nanded - account for 50 per cent of the total active caseload of the country.
Maharashtra has shown a nine-fold jump, the maximum increase in the number of active cases in the last two months. In percentage terms, Punjab has reported the maximum increase in active cases.
Wankhede Groundstaff Test Covid Positive, Franchises Tighten Checks, Says ReportWith seven days to go for the high-octane Indian Premier League clash between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium, groundstaff have tested positive for coronavirus at the stadium. With cases rising in the state of Maharashtra, IPL franchises have started feeling a little wary and are keeping fingers crossed with the 14th edition of the league set to get underway from April 9. Speaking to ANI, an official of one of the franchises -- currently based in Mumbai -- said that it does change the situation and calls for stricter protocols.
"You do get a little concerned when you hear such things days before the start of the tournament. We have all been following protocols to the core, but obviously, when such a news comes in, it makes us a little wary. We are looking at keeping things as tight as possible. Have to be on our guard," the official said.
Read President Ram Nath Kovind's Health Improving After Bypass Surgery, Shifted Out Of ICU
President Ram Nath Kovind, who underwent a successful cardiac bypass surgery at Delhi's AIIMS earlier this week, has been shifted to a special room from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the Rashtrapati Bhavan said, adding that his health has been improving continuously.
"President Kovind was shifted from the ICU to a special room in the AIIMS today. His health has been improving continuously. Doctors are constantly monitoring his condition and have advised him to take rest," it tweeted.
President Kovind was shifted from the ICU to a special room in the AIIMS today. His health has been improving continuously. Doctors are constantly monitoring his condition and have advised him to take rest.
BJP's Himanta Sarma Banned From Campaign Over NIA Threat To Congress Ally
Assam minister and senior BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma has been given a 48-hour ban on campaigning ahead of the third and final phase of Assembly elections, which are due on Tuesday.
The Election Commission issued its order late Friday night, after it upheld a complaint by the Congress; the party said Mr Sarma had openly threatened to send Hagrama Mohilary - whose BPF (Bodoland People's Front) is a member of the opposition alliance - to jail by misusing the NIA
The ban comes into effect from tonight, effectively means Mr Sarma - who is the BJP's main poll strategist and has been listed as a 'star campaigner' - can no longer campaign in this election.
Biggest One-Day Jump In Covid Cases Since Late September
India added 89,129 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours amid a worrying surge in Covid cases that has prompted states like Maharashtra to consider lockdown. Today's surge is the highest since September 20 when 92,605 cases were reported.
The situation is of "grave concern" in Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Haryana, the Centre said after a review meeting on Friday. These states and union territories account for 90 per cent of the cases and deaths in the country, it said.
89,129 New Coronavirus Cases Recorded Today
A total of 89,129 coronavirus cases have been registered today, taking the total caseload to 1,23,92,260 infections in India.
US Capitol On Lockdown After Vehicle Rams 2 Officials, 1 Dead
A US Capitol police officer was killed and a second injured Friday after a vehicle rammed through security and crashed into a barrier at the Washington complex, forcing it into lockdown less than three months after a mob assault on Congress.
Capitol Police shot dead the driver after he jumped out of the car and lunged at them with a knife, Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman told reporters.
President Joe Biden, who was with First Lady Jill Biden at Camp David for the Easter holiday, offered his "heartfelt condolences" to the family of William Evans, the veteran policeman killed in the attack.
"Jill and I were heartbroken to learn of the violent attack at a security checkpoint on the US Capitol grounds," Biden said in a statement.
"Strict Restrictions Soon": Uddhav Thackeray On Maharashtra Covid Surge
The possibility of a lockdown in Maharashtra can't be ruled out if the surge in coronavirus cases continues, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said on Friday amid a fresh COVID-19 wave in the state that has seen the highest daily infections since the beginning of the pandemic in the last two weeks.
"I cannot rule out imposing a lockdown if the current COVID-19 situation prevails. People have become complacent. We are in a Catch 22 situation - should we look at economy or health?" the Chief Minister said in a televised address.
"If this condition continues, I have told you already that in 15 days we will exhaust our infrastructure. So today I am giving a warning of a lockdown. Not announcing a lockdown yet. But if I don't find a solution in two days after speaking to more people, then I have no option," he said.
Pune 6 pm-6 am Curfew From Today For A Week; Only Home Delivery
Faced with an alarming spike in Covid cases, authorities in Maharashtra's Pune have ordered a 12-hour night curfew starting 6 pm today for a period of at least one week, with a review of the order and coronavirus situation in the district scheduled for next Friday. Religious places, hotels and bars, shopping malls, and movie theatres will all remain closed for the next seven days, Pune Divisional Commissioner Saurabh Rao said Friday afternoon. Only home deliveries of food, medicines and other essential services will be allowed in this period.
Mumbai Reports 8,648 Covid Cases, 20 Deaths In Highest Single-Day Spike
Mumbai reported yet another highest spike in COVID-19 cases today, amid spiralling active infections for the last few weeks. The city today reported 8,648 cases in a 24-hour period, surpassing any previous high. 20 have died, government data shows. The state reported 47,827 cases and 202 deaths - including Mumbai - in the last 24 hours.
Read Here Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Odisha's daily new COVID-19 cases rising; government prepares for possible second wave
With Odisha registering a gradual rise in the number of daily new cases since March 19, the state government has geared up to face the possible second wave of the coronavirus, a health official said on Friday. After 461 more people tested positive for the infection during the day, the states caseload went up to 3,41,772, PTI reported.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Delhi records 3,594 fresh COVID-19 cases; 14 deaths
Delhi recorded 3,594 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Friday, the highest daily count this year while 14 more people died due to the coronavirus infection, taking the count to 11,050, according to the health department.
The positivity rate also mounted to 4.11 per cent from 3.57 per cent a day before, amid a massive surge in cases in the span of the last few weeks, PTI reported.